London International Shipping Week 2025 and the Future of Maritime
London International Shipping Week (LISW), returning for its 12th edition from 15–19 September 2025, stands out as a landmark event in the global marine and shipping calendar. Hosted across London, this week-long festival will convene thousands of international maritime decision-makers, featuring more than 350 official events tailored to the industry's multifaceted needs.
Why LISW Matters: London's Global Maritime Significance
London’s status as a global shipping hub is no accident. From a proud maritime history to its strategic time zone—the Greenwich Meridian—London uniquely enables business across multiple time zones in a single workday. Combined with an attractive tonnage tax regime, top-tier maritime services, and robust regulatory framework, the UK is a natural centre for global maritime innovation and leadership.
Past editions have illustrated this power vividly: LISW23 drew over 30,000 delegates from more than 70 countries, hosted across iconic venues like the IMO headquarters, The Shard, and No. 10 Downing Street, and included VIP receptions, maritime showcases aboard historic vessels, high-level government participation, and announcements such as £80 million in regional funding.
Spotlight on LISW 2025: Key Themes & Strategic Forums
Human Capital Management (HCM) Forum
Co-hosted by Ocean Technologies Group and Lloyd’s Register OneOcean, this forum aims to address workforce attraction, training, retention, and the future-ready maritime culture. A first session—featuring the UN Global Compact, ITF, ICS, and Lloyd’s Register—focuses on preparing seafarers for the net-zero transition via the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF). The second session delves into how data and digital platforms are reshaping maritime workforce performance.
DNV Maritime Forecast to 2050 Launch
As a Platinum Sponsor, DNV will launch the 9th edition of the Maritime Forecast to 2050 on 16 September at IET London (and live-streamed), while also contributing to events spanning cybersecurity, AI, alternative fuels, and maritime decarbonisation throughout the week.
Lloyd’s Register and Shipping Risk
Lloyd’s Register will host events on marine insurance, sustainable container shipping, chartering, and marine energy transition. Highlights include invitation-only forums, reception gatherings, the Headline Conference at IMO, and discussions on sustainable container shipping—each gathering key players to address emerging risks and opportunities.
Why Marine & Shipping Professionals Should Tune In
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Cross‑sector convergence: LISW brings together regulators, government entities, insurers, financiers, tech innovators, port operators, and maritime service providers—all under one (London) roof.
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Workforce transformation: The HCM Forum spotlights urgent needs around recruitment, retention, training for alternative fuels, and digital adoption—a must-follow for HR, training, and operations leaders.
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Decarbonisation drive: From DNV’s forecasts to discussions on alternative fuels and energy transition, sustainability lies at the week’s core.
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Risk and governance: Amid geopolitical volatility, cyber‑threats, insurance challenges, and regulatory shifts, events like Shipping Risk Forum and cybersecurity roundtables are pivotal.
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Networking goldmine: With signature receptions, dinners, and panel events, LISW remains a high-calibre space for relationship building—and shaping maritime diplomacy.
London International Shipping Week 2025 isn’t just a conference—it’s a maritime megacluster. It’s the global stage for power players, innovators, and policymakers to shape shipping’s near‑term future. From charting net‑zero pathways to navigating workforce shifts and geopolitical swells, LISW sets the course for the next decade.